Thief makes off with 33 iPads from Fallbrook High

A thief made off with 33 iPad computers over Easter weekend at Fallbrook High School.

According to Wil Hatcher, chief business officer for Fallbrook Union High School District, workers discovered the loss on Sunday (Easter) morning, April 20 when the Bob Burton Performing Arts Center (PAC) was being prepared for a church that rents the space for services.

"At about 5:30 a.m. a worker discovered the power was off inside the PAC and that a door had been broken into," said Hatcher. "Inside it was obvious that an iPad cart had been opened and the 33 computers inside had been taken out of it. The worker then found that the power switch had been turned off to the PAC; the burglar probably figured that would disable the alarm." The Sheriff’s Dept. was contacted at that point.

"When officers arrived, they dusted for fingerprints," said Hatcher.

According to records, Hatcher said the original purchase price of each iPad was $499. For 33 units, that would equate to a loss of $16,467 â€“ but Hatcher said the district’s insurance company would likely reduce the loss based on depreciation and that they were the (older) iPad 2 model.

"So we would have to make up the cost differential and we also have a $1,000 deductible on our insurance policy," said Hatcher.

Fallbrook High Principal Rod King said the iPads were used for a math class.

"Using iPads is a way to peak students’ interest in subjects; this most definitely takes the element of technology out of that class until we can decide what to replace them with," said King. "The teacher will return to the white board and do more group work."

King said they will "do our best to expedite the matter to see how quickly we can replace the technology element for that class."

"In the meantime, we have other devices that we can make available to this teacher," he said. "We will also be consulting with the teacher to see what the best replacement might be at this time.

We may opt to purchase iPads or go to Chromebooks."

13 comments

LeeComment #1 | Thursday, May 1, 2014 at 2:34 pm

Disgusting! To steal from a school -- absolutely disgusting!

Thief, I hope your conscience catches up with you REALLY quickly! And when, not if, you are caught, you will have plenty of time to ponder your deeds . . . and talk to the empty chair.

SnitchComment #2 | Friday, May 2, 2014 at 9:29 am

Is their a reward for turning in this thief?

Eilahn LopezComment #3 | Friday, May 2, 2014 at 10:18 am

I hope there's an award. I'll help out just to get them iPads back. I had Algebra in that class.

QueenComment #4 | Friday, May 2, 2014 at 10:48 am

Snitch, if there is or is there is not a reward, if you know something about it you should want to help. If nothing else but to know you won't be doing your work (not you but in general) by pencil and paper.

Pencil and PaperComment #5 | Friday, May 2, 2014 at 4:37 pm

Nothing wrong with pencil and paper, I know it's not the preferred way. I hope we don't end up like the people in that animated cartoon Wall-E.

TheInkIsDryComment #6 | Friday, May 2, 2014 at 10:37 pm

"pique"

Fallbrook res.Comment #7 | Friday, May 2, 2014 at 10:46 pm

It cost $20.00 to micro chip a pet, I hope they were chipped. Yes Snitch, there is a reward.....you will feel it the moment you do the right thing.

Ray (the real one)Comment #8 | Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 8:22 am

What bothers me is that school districts spend three times as much on Apple products instead of devices people use in the real world.

Being a former Apple fan, OS 9.1 days, Apple phones and tablets are bloated, restrictive on apps, whereas Android hasd a 5 to 1 jump in the market, cost less and have better apps.

Today you can go to Fry`s, get a 7" Android tablet with OS 4.0.3 for well under $100.00 and most apps are FREE.

Apple is HOT on the stolen goods market because of their price and mistique, nothing more.

Don`t make a market for crooks.....

QueenComment #9 | Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 11:39 am

@pencil and paper...that was my point.

Comment Continued : The comment above was written from the same location.

QueenComment #10 | Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 11:41 am

@ Ray, couldn't agree more.

Legal Citizen and VetComment #11 | Sunday, May 4, 2014 at 9:25 am

Good Point Ray and Queen. But remember, in American, those in position to "put the students first" (sarcasm) couldn't profit off the selling out of education if your statement and common sense was used..
Its just like the government and thier big contractors who also profit off such simple Items. Maybe Board members, Union Members, etc.. need to be re-evaluated?? Maybe re-evaluated as to get better consumer minded, student Minded First Agenda leaders, before those who have other self serving agendas.

Ray (the real one)Comment #12 | Monday, May 5, 2014 at 10:43 am

LC&V: hen schools were stocking schools with Apple ans Mac computers when these kids went into the real word, a loud DUH was heard. Big difference between AppleWorks and Microsoft Office.

Schools are wasting our tax dollars on purchasing these bloated non mainstream products. For the cost of one IPad, you can purchase three Android equals.

Crooks know the market prices of these products so they become high demand.

LeeComment #13 | Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at 11:28 am

As if it weren't bad enough that our school officials, administrators, teachers, et al., steal from our schools with their RIDICULOUS salaries, benefits, bonuses and pensions, some Einstein(s) has to steal some equipment, too. Like I said, Law Enforcement WILL catch you, pal(s), and you will have PLENTY of time . . . to think.

To think what a piece of garbage you are.

Article Comments are contributed by our readers, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Fallbrook Village News staff. The name listed as the author for comments cannot be verified; Comment authors are not guaranteed to be who they claim they are.

Add your Comment

Name

Images, Formatting, or HTML is not allowed : plain text only. You may post up to 5 website addresses within your comment.

Disclaimer

The Fallbrook Village News has tightened its' policy regarding comments.
While we invite you to contribute your opinions and thoughts, we request that you refrain from using vulgar or obscene words and post only comments that directly pertain to the specific topic of the story or article.
Comments that are derogatory in nature have a high likelihood for editing or non-approval if they carry the possibility of being libelous.
The comment system is not intended as a forum for individuals or groups to air personal grievances against other individuals or groups.
Please, no advertising or trolling.
In posting a comment for consideration, users understand that their posts may be edited as necessary to meet system parameters, or the post may not be approved at all. By submitting a comment, you agree to all the rules and guidelines described here.
Most comments are approved or disregarded within one business day.